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huddled together, the imperfect way in which the sheds are paved, and the
very general neglect of cleanliness amongst the cowkeepers, very much intensifies
the stench arising from large accumulations of manure. There is of
course a large quantity of refuse which finds its way into the neighbouring
sewers from each cowshed, and when mixed with the other matters of the
sewers, is decomposed and gives rise to effluvia of a most offensive and
noxious kind, which find their way into the public roads by means of sewer
ventilators, and to a large extent, though for the most part imperceptibly,
into the dwelling-houses by means of house drains, notwithstanding the
ordinarily constructed traps. Very considerable improvements have been
effected in the arrangements of these sheds as regards paving, ventilation
water supply, the storage and removal of dung, drainage, and their general
management. A few of the worst were shut up, by the license being refused ;
but licenses were granted to 88 cowkeepers for 102 distinct cowsheds. In
regard to a number of these, the magistrates stated, that unless great improve,
ments were effected during the present year, the license could not be renewed
Of the 102 sheds, the amount of space allowed for each cow is not sufficient
for the health of the animal in more than about 15. After deliberation and
consultation with each other, the Medical Officers of Health of the Metropolis
were of opinion that a cubic space of 1000 feet should be allowed for each
cow. In 9 of the sheds in this parish the space was between 2 and 3 hundred
feet only; in 18 it was between 3 and 4 hundred feet for each row; in 10 it was
from 4 to 5 hundred feet; in 35 sheds the space for each was between 5 and 8
hundred cubic feet; in 10 it was from 8 to 10 hundred; and in only 10 was it
over 1000 cubic feet.
This is a point which requires more attention, and at the coming licensing
day, will, I trust, be insisted upon. The total number of cows kept in the
parish is about 1970.
I cannot report much progress in regard to new sewerage during the year
1862. The drainage of Highgate and the upper part of Kentish Town has
been under the consideration of the Highways, Sewers, and Public Works
Committee, but no action has been taken. There appears to be still a doubt
in the minds of some, in what way the expenses of sewers such as these should
be met, and the matter remains in abeyance until a decision has been obtained
in a case pending between the Kilburn District and the Metropolitan Board of
Works.
There are at present a very great many parts of this parish most imperfectly
drained, and consequently very unhealthy, which cannot be improved until
the Vestry provides new sewers for them. In this respect we are not much
better off than when the Metropolis Local Management Act came into
operation. A step has been taken in the right direction during the present
year, by the order for a new sewer in John Street, Tottenham Court Road.
In Agar Town and the neighbourhood of King's Cross, a good many
wretched houses have been pulled down by the Midland and the Metropolitan
Railway Companies. The Midland Company still holds a considerable number
in Agar Town, which it is proposed to demolish, but in the mean time they
are occupied and allowed to fall into a very dilapidated and unwholesome state.
I am glad to hear that the Society for Improving the Dwellings of the
Laboring Classes are proposing to purchase a plot of ground to the north of
the Old Pancras Road, with the view of erecting some suitable houses for